Patrick Mahomes just lost something he held for 3 straight year

Patrick Mahomes just lost something he held for 3 straight year originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Patrick Mahomes is no longer the No. 1 quarterback in ESPN’s annual survey of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. Even so, the latest rankings show that league decision-makers still believe the Kansas City Chiefs star remains one of football’s most dangerous players.

NFL evaluators still believe Patrick Mahomes changes every game

Patrick Mahomes slipped to second in ESPN’s annual quarterback rankings after holding the top spot for the previous three years. The survey gathered votes from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts across the league.

The drop came despite Mahomes receiving more first-place votes than any other quarterback. Josh Allen ultimately claimed the top ranking by posting a stronger overall average across every ballot, ending Mahomes’ run at No. 1.

Even those who ranked Mahomes second emphasized the pressure he places on opposing defenses. One NFL quarterbacks coach said, “He still puts fear in people like no other quarterback,” adding that his rare combination of talent and competitiveness gives him a shot in every game.

Several league evaluators also pointed to the challenges surrounding Mahomes last season. Kansas City’s offense struggled to establish a consistent running game, while its receiving group never developed into a consistent threat before Mahomes suffered an ACL injury in December.

Not every evaluator viewed his season the same way. One veteran defensive coach said Mahomes “held the ball too long” and occasionally forced throws instead of taking easier completions. Even with those concerns, the same coach acknowledged the quarterback’s value, saying, “If they don’t have him, they win three games, tops.”

Mahomes has an impressive record as he enters his 10th season in the NFL. He ranks second in touchdown passes and third in passing yards for quarterbacks in their first nine seasons. This shows why many people in the league still see him as the best, even with this year’s rankings.

The No. 2 ranking may end Mahomes’ streak at the top, but it has done little to change how opponents prepare for Kansas City whenever it takes the field.

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